In our special WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS editorial series, members of the NRT staff have a back-and-forth discussion about this year's nominees. In Part 5 of our series, NRT Executive Editor Marcus Hathcock and NRT Publicity Manager Micah Garnett talk about the guys and gals who made the best music of the past year.

Marcus: One of the things I really love about the WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS (pun intended) is the wide variety of styles and artists represented in the various categories. Take this category--Song of the Year--for example. We have a country artist, a pop group, a couple of alternative-ish rock bands, and a straight up rock band. These songs were pretty big in the last year, hitting a number of different groups of people, for a number of different reasons. Who do you like in this category, Micah?
 
Micah: I think this category is stacked. There are so many incredible choices from this past year that represent a wide variety of genres and artists. If I had to pick one, I would lean towards "Feel Invincible" by Skillet. I've been a Skillet fan for a long time, so they definitely hold a special place in my heart. The song has had a huge impact on both the radio and sporting events (who doesn't like a good pump-up song), so I have a hard time seeing it losing. That being said, the category is so strong that I wouldn't be surprised if another song did sneak through. What's your pick?

Marcus: Well, I did cast my vote in the awards, and my pick for Song of the Year was "Hard Love" by NEEDTOBREATHE. Not only is it sonically pleasing to my ear, but the lyrics about loving in the midst of hardship is pretty challenging and powerful. I do think NEEDTOBREATHE could win it based on a strong year, and a bold new direction musically for them. Plus the little '80s-sounding riffs burrow into your brain like no other. 
 
That said, the category isn't lacking in star power. I do think as far as fanbases go, Skillet--who won this award a couple years back for "Sick of It"--and Switchfoot would likely be duking it out for the win here. That said, looking back, I'm not sure that "Float" was as transcendent in 2016 as much as their other single from the year, "Live It Well." That song, had we nominated it, would've had a much stronger response, in my opinion. I personally like "Float" better, though; I mean, wow--a 7/8 song on the radio!? Amazing!

Micah: I agree with you, but I think "Float" can hold its own amongst the other songs. I've never been a big Switchfoot fan myself, but man, when I heard "Float", there was just something that connected with me. My mom has had it on replay since the album released, and she still listens to it almost daily. It's got such a fun, carefree groove that's perfect for a road trip or a day at the beach. I wouldn't mind seeing it win at all. 
 
Jordan Feliz is another artist who I think could easily take this. I've been a big fan of his since he arrived on the scene since he's not afraid to buck trends and place his own stamp on the industry. I'm so glad that "Never Too Far Gone" has received the recognition it did, since a lot of my friends would typically never listen to him, but have been exposed to him on the radio. Like "Float", "Never Too Far Gone" exudes positivity while being really fun to listen to.

Marcus: Yes, Jordan is a meteorically rising star, a solid dude, and an incredible talent. He's won this category before--last year, actually, with "The River"--and it certainly says something about the project he's released by having back-to-back nominations here. "Never Too Far Gone" is a strong contender. 
 
But let's talk Hillary Scott. Her song, "Thy Will," dominated the charts as the debut from the Lady Antebellum frontwoman's side project with her parents and sister--Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. It was a picture-perfect Adult Contemporary hit of trust and faith in God's plan, and it had some serious staying power at radio. Does her crossover appeal and runaway success with that song earn her the win? 

Micah: Crossover appeal is a big factor here. I think it's fantastic that Hillary Scott has been able to reach the Christian market with "Thy Will". It just goes to show that music can reach people in every aspect of life, and it doesn't necessarily have to fit inside a box. "Thy Will" was a very special song to a lot of my friends and family. I'm excited to see who will win this category. My head says Skillet, but I could see any of these artists winning it.
 
Marcus: You're right about crossover appeal. With the exception of Jordan Feliz, all the nominated artists share this in common! We'll just have to see who shows up!

OK, now it's up to you! Head over to www.weloveawards.com and VOTE NOW through Jan. 27, 2017, to make your pick for this and all 18 categories in the 5th Annual WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS! 

PREVIOUS WINNERS OF SONG OF THE YEAR:
4th Annual (2015) - Jordan Feliz, "The River"
3rd Annual (2014) - for KING & COUNTRY, "Fix My Eyes"
2nd Annual (2013) - Skillet, "Sick of It" 
1st Annual (2012) - for KING & COUNTRY, "The Proof of Your Love"